Duo are locked at the top (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Duo are locked at the top

1:50pm Monday 13th August 2012 in Cricket

LOWERHOUSE joined Enfield at the top of the Foster’s Lancashire League as the reigning champions growled out their intent with a hammering of Rawtenstall on Saturday.

Charlie Cottam’s men claimed maximum points from their big win at Bacup Road – and while Enfield were themselves overcoming a searching examination at the hands of Hyndburn rivals Rishton, they only claimed 10 points, allowing the House to go level with them.

An enthralling title race has already seen twists and turns but Lowerhouse were determined not be fall victims of a shock despite Rawtenstall pro Jandre Coetzee claiming seven wickets to restrict them to 172 all out.

Rawtenstall’s reply was a disaster as they slipped to 19-7 with Joey Hawke (4-15) and Francois Haasbroek (3-15) on fire before the home side rallied slighty to 65 all out.

Mo Patel’s 52 and 57 from Dan Salpietro helped Rishton to rack up 203-8 at Enfield.

That was a testing target – but Adam Bracewell led from the front with 70 and Joe Wrigley made 36 to help Enfield home.

Graham Knowles made a majestic 102 as Haslingden rocked third-placed Todmorden at Centre Vale. The skipper’s 146-ball effort helped Haslingden to 205-9 despite seven wickets for Qaiser Abbas.

Simon Newbitt made 40 at the top of the Tod reply but Gary Sudworth claimed 7-55 to sink the home side for 160.

Neil Thompson claimed four wickets but Nelson let Accrington off the hook at Thorneyholme Road. Accy were rocking at 89-8 but Simon Hanson’s 46 got them up to 149.

Tyler McGladdery (26) top scored on his debut but Ashar Zaidi claimed 6-24 as the Seedhillites folded to 86 all out.

Church warmed up for the Worsley Cup final with a two-wicket win over East Lancashire at West End. John Turner hit 54 as East Lancs posted 161 with Saeed Anwar claiming five wickets.

Sam Holt’s 33 gave Church a good start but it was left to Sam Tucker (23 not out) and Joel Gaskell (14 not out) to get over the line.

Qasim Ali hit 86 and Steven Whittaker 57 not out as Burnley piled on the runs in their win at Bacup. They took their side to 243-6 before Adnan Rasool claimed six wickets and Bharat Tripathi four with Bacup 196 all out.

Ramsbottom 17-year-old Tom Parton carried his bat for a superb 118 as his side beat Colne at The Horsfield.

Parton helped Rammy up to 218-4 and then Jonathan Fielding claimed five wickets as Colne were bowled out for 166.